She believed she could, so she did!

I grew up pretty healthy, never having any medical concerns or situations. Unfortunately, in 2012, I was diagnosed with Obstructive Hydrocephalus. 

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Most people are born with Hydrocephalus due to a birth defect, however - mine was caused from a traumatic brain injury.

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What led up to the discovery of my diagnosis was due to an escalation of headaches that led to migraines. There were several symptoms and signs that I started to experience that gave me suspicion that this injury was more severe that I thought - pins and needles sensation, numbness throughout my body, inability to wake up and feeling distraught.

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I would wear sunglasses inside the house, even at nighttime - especially when watching TV. I started to notice that any source of caffeine would alleviate the pounding migraines for a short period - I was always stopping by Sonic to get a Route 44 Vanilla Coke. 

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The moment I decided to bring it to my doctor's attention was when I could not wake up when my 3 month old (at the time) was crying and my mom was trying to wake me. That's when I scheduled an appointment with my OB-GYN so she could order a CT scan.

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Around 4pm that same day of the CT scan, I received a phone call from my doctor stating I needed to be admitted immediately for an emergency brain surgery because I had 'water on my brain' aka Hydrocephalus. I had no idea what she was trying to explain to me at the time but all I know was when the conversation ended, I ran to my room and broke down because the only words I could comprehend at the time was 'emergency brain surgery' - I was 18. With a 3-month-old.

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To date, I have a had a total of 7 shunt revisions and have been surgery free for 4 years. I have graduated college with a B.B.A. in Marketing with a double minor. I graduated on the Dean's list and was inducted into two different honors societies.

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After the last set of surgeries in 2019, I did not have the best odds and unfortunately, had to overcome obstacles I should have never faced but HERE I AM...

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It took me many years to finally come out about my story due to the repercussions I was afraid to face but I started thinking about the many victims, survivors, and patients who have went through a similar situation and could possibly relate. 

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"Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you."

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The information I share reflect my personal experiences and opinions regarding my own neurological disorders. These experiences may not be representative of others' experiences or general medical consensus. It is essential to recognize that each person's condition is unique, and what works for me may not work for others. I am not a healthcare professional, and the content shared here is based solely on my personal experiences. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis, treatment options, and personalized medical advice.